CT in evaluation of MS patients

Author: Tarun Mittal

Like 3DE, CT cardiac angiogram (CTCA) is a volumetric technique (0.3-0.5mm isotropic resolution) and thus allows precise alignment to the plane of mitral annulus or the valve. The scan has to be acquired to cover the required diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle (prospective ECG gating with a wide padding in diastolic phase or retrospective gating with ECG modulation).

Alignment of mitral annulus plane in two orthogonal planes on CCTA with planimetry of the annulus

CCTA images demonstrating alignment to the mitral valve orifice using the two orthogonal planes. This is a normal valve in late diastolic phase.

CCTA is very sensitive in detecting calcification anywhere in the body, and hence shows it very well in the mitral annulus and valve.CCTA short-axis image demonstrating calcification (bright density) along the inferior and posterior aspects of mitral annulus with extension into the adjacent valve

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meq_OmMRcIc

Cine CCTA in apical 4c view demonstrating restricted MV due to severe calcification in the annulus